Travel in an intimate group of just 20, with a special Christmas-themed New Zealand adventure. 11 days through the South Island, starting and finishing in Christchurch. Along the way: Christchurch, The Hermitage Hotel, Dunedin. Every night is booked and the travelling is handled, so the itinerary below is what you actually do rather than a list of things you could arrange yourself.
10 nights accommodation
Trip highlights
Included in your price
Christchurch
The Hermitage Hotel
Dunedin
Te Anau
Manapouri
Queenstown
What is included
10 nights of accommodation, staying in hotel 4 star
10 nights of accommodation, booked and confirmed before you travel
Coach travel throughout with a driver guide
A detailed day by day itinerary with every booking reference
Support from a New Zealand based specialist while you travel
This itinerary can be customised: extra nights, different rooms, more activities or a different vehicle. Tell us what you would change.
Where you will go
1Overnight stops, in route orderVisited, not overnight7 overnight stops across 11 days. Select a stop to jump to that day.
Day by day itinerary
Your journey:ChristchurchLake TekapoOamaruManapouriQueenstownArrowtownHokitikaChristchurch
On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your travelling companions. Staying in Hotel Sudima Christchurch City (2 nights) 5 Star Accommodation Being in the hub of the city means you are within walking distance from shopping, activities and attractions. At Sudima Christchurch City you will find the rooms reflect the New Zealand landscape with tones and textures to create a relaxed atmosphere. The rooms have been tastefully decorated and offers guests comfort and space with a plush bed, beautiful luxury linen and a New Zealand based artists' work features on the headboard for you to enjoy as you relax. Meals included: Dinner
This morning visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. Feel the chill of the Antarctic storm room, take a ride on the Hagglund all-terrain vehicle, see the little blue penguins and be astonished within the immersive 4D theatre. Afterward embark on a city tour of Christchurch discovering its rich history and culture. This afternoon, enjoy a leisurely ride aboard the Christchurch Tram. This evening is free to explore Christchurch’s culinary scene. Staying in Hotel Sudima Christchurch City 5 Star Accommodation Being in the hub of the city means you are within walking distance from shopping, activities and attractions. At Sudima Christchurch City you will find the rooms reflect the New Zealand landscape with tones and textures to create a relaxed atmosphere. The rooms have been tastefully decorated and offers guests comfort and space with a plush bed, beautiful luxury linen and a New Zealand based artists' work features on the headboard for you to enjoy as you relax. Meals included: Breakfast
Travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Staying in Hotel The Hermitage Hotel 4 Star Accommodation Set in the stunning Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, The Hermitage Hotel is surrounded by awe-inspiring glaciers, sparkling terminal lakes, rushing rivers, and the towering Aoraki/Mt Cook, Australasia’s tallest peak at 3,724 metres. This iconic hotel boasts a range of exceptional restaurants and bars, along with 164 well-appointed rooms. Whether you’re here for adventure or relaxation, The Hermitage provides the ultimate gateway to explore one of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart Mt Cook and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city tour followed by some free time. Optional activities to consider include a wildlife excursion or a guided tour of Olveston Historic Home, containing a wealth of treasures of a bygone era. Staying in Hotel Distinction Dunedin Hotel 4.5 Star Accommodation 2024 Travellers Choice Winner and ranked in the top 20 of all hotels in NZ on TripAdvisor. The Distinction Dunedin Hotel is elegant, luxurious and located in the rejuvenated and vibrant Warehouse Precinct in the heart of the city. The ideal combination of style and functionality. These air-conditioned Dunedin Studios offer a cloud-like super king bed and modern ensuite bathroom with a luxurious dual fixture walk-in rain shower plus complimentary Distinction toiletries. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Indulge in an Ultimate High Tea in the Grand Ballroom followed by time to stroll through this Garden of International Significance. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and your overnight stay. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional) or the Fiordland Cinema, specially constructed to screen the locally filmed movie Ata Whenua - Shadowland which will take you on an unforgettable journey (optional). Staying in Hotel Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas 4 Star Accommodation Surrounded by extensive, colourful gardens and a short stroll to the spectacular Lake Te Anau, this elegant 4 star hotel and villa accommodation sets the tone for your stay in one of the world’s most breathtaking regions. You will stay in a spacious and superbly appointed room. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
A leisurely start today before travelling to Manapouri. Enjoy lunch as you cruise across this glacial lake. After a short ride over the Wilmot Pass, join the Fiordland Navigator for an amazing overnight experience. As you cruise through the pristine beauty of Doubtful Sound, naturalist guides will provide commentary and point out the resident wildlife. When evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared by the onboard chef. Staying in Overnight Fiordland Navigator Doubtful Sound is unspoiled, unmatched and unforgettable. You will create some lifelong memories as the Fiordland Navigator takes you through the ultimate Doubtful Sound experience. As you cruise through some of NZ’s most stunning scenery, knowledgeable nature guides will provide commentary. There are opportunities to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat, or to simply relax on board. As evening falls, you will enjoy a delicious buffet dinner prepared by the onboard chef and served in the dining saloon. Mingle with fellow travellers, savour some of the fine wines and if the skies are clear, enjoy some stargazing. The next day explore other parts of the fiord. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Merry Christmas! Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back to Deep Cove for the trip back to Manapouri. Return to the wharf and meet your Ultimate Coach for the journey to Queenstown, a year-round resort, situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening dinner will be at your hotel. Staying in Hotel Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown (2 nights) 4 Star Plus Accommodation Queenstown, New Zealand’s mountain playground, is one of the great alpine regions of the world and the charming Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown Hotel calls this place home - the resort offers a hotel experience certain to leave you breathless. Set on the scenic slopes of Ben Lomond Mountain, Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown offers an alpine charm. Crafted from centuries-old schist stone and cedar, this comfortable and sophisticated Queenstown hotel is the perfect place to relax. Unwind in a room where timeless charm meets contemporary comfort with all the essentials thoughtfully considered making every stay feel effortlessly relaxed. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown. Staying in Hotel Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown 4 Star Plus Accommodation Queenstown, New Zealand’s mountain playground, is one of the great alpine regions of the world and the charming Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown Hotel calls this place home - the resort offers a hotel experience certain to leave you breathless. Set on the scenic slopes of Ben Lomond Mountain, Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown offers an alpine charm. Crafted from centuries-old schist stone and cedar, this comfortable and sophisticated Queenstown hotel is the perfect place to relax. Unwind in a room where timeless charm meets contemporary comfort with all the essentials thoughtfully considered making every stay feel effortlessly relaxed. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner, Speciality Dinner
Travel to Arrowtown, an old goldmining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to the township of Fox Glacier. Next you visit Franz Josef, where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers before arriving at your hotel for your overnight stay. Staying in Hotel Legacy Te Waonui Hotel, Franz Josef 5 Star Accommodation Legacy Te Waonui Hotel, Franz Josef is truly luxurious and can be found in an area of native rainforest which has been carefully preserved. All the guest room balconies look out into the rainforest, which contains mature trees up to 20m high. Guests get a real sense of seclusion and privacy during their stay. Lavishly appointed guest rooms, generously proportioned and featuring the highest standard of room amenities, such as your own personal pillow menu, natural wool mattress underlay and high-speed Internet access. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory before arriving at Arthur’s Pass where you board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains. On arrival into the elegant city of Christchurch, your Ultimate Coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. This evening reminisce on the memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner which includes selected beverages. Staying in Hotel Sudima Christchurch City 5 Star Accommodation Being in the hub of the city means you are within walking distance from shopping, activities and attractions. At Sudima Christchurch City you will find the rooms reflect the New Zealand landscape with tones and textures to create a relaxed atmosphere. The rooms have been tastefully decorated and offers guests comfort and space with a plush bed, beautiful luxury linen and a New Zealand based artists' work features on the headboard for you to enjoy as you relax. Meals included: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday Meals included: Breakfast
Good to know
Departures
This itinerary departs on the dates that suit you, subject to availability. Peak season (December to February) books out early, so enquire well ahead for summer travel.
Make it yours
Add nights, upgrade rooms, swap activities or extend into the other island. Tell us what you would change and we will re-quote, no obligation.
Never travelling alone
Your whole itinerary lives in a smart travel app with live vouchers, maps and daily guidance, and your own travel specialist is reachable seven days a week while you are on the road. If plans change, we rearrange them in real time.
Watch: Lake Tekapo on this itinerary
Asked before booking
Yes, and most guests change something. Add nights, upgrade rooms, swap activities or start from a different city: tell us what you would change and we re-quote 11 Day Ultimate South Island Christmas at no cost and no obligation.
A professional driver-guide from our New Zealand operations team, on the ground with you throughout. Every itinerary we sell is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand tour operator, the highest grading in the country's official quality mark.
11 Day Ultimate South Island Christmas runs on scheduled departure dates through the season. Tell us your travel window and we confirm the nearest departures with live availability, usually within one working day.
10 nights in hotel 4 star. Every property is confirmed by name on your written quote, before you pay anything, so you can look each one up before you commit.
Nothing to enquire. A firm written quote arrives within one working day; if you go ahead, a 20% deposit per person (minimum NZ$250) confirms every booking and the balance is due 70 days before travel, with the exact date on your quote. Deposits can be paid by card, which keeps your card scheme's dispute protections in play.
Nothing to enquire, nothing until your quote is confirmed in writing, and never more than your deposit until the balance falls due 70 days before travel. Deposits can be paid by card, which keeps your card scheme’s protections in play.
Availability checked with our New Zealand operations team and confirmed in writing, not an automated estimate.
No booking fees, and nothing to pay to enquire
Quotes are free and carry no obligation. You pay a deposit only once the itinerary is right and you say go.
One person, before and during your trip
The same specialist plans your trip and is reachable while you are travelling, alongside in-country support seven days a week.
Insider status, Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme. IATA certified. Every itinerary is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand tour operator.
